Page 60 - Modern Steel Construction (April 2019)

have shared stories, data and ideas to inspire action. Collaboration is at the heart of The 17 partners in the
the Coalition, and the participating partners demonstrate their enthusiasm to work Skilled Trades Coalition include:
together with all of their knowledge to bring the tools and information necessary to
help the industry when skilled trades issues arise, being a strong voice for trades within American Boiler Manufacturers Association
industry to provide assistance and solve problems. American Gear Manufacturers Association
“While the Coalition is made up of a diverse set of industry leaders and associations, American Institute of Steel Construction
our ability to find common ground for a shared issue will hopefully lead to a set of so- American Society for Nondestructive
lutions that can be deployed to raise the visibility of the issue on a national scale,” said Testing
Youdell. “From there, communicating the solutions to our individual industry’s members, American Welding Society
stakeholders, suppliers and original equipment manufacturers, and then having them adopt Chemical Coaters Association
them into their operations, can hopefully alleviate the shortage of skilled professionals.” International
Consensus has been sought for action moving forward. The 17 partners have start- Helmets to Hardhats
ed their focus in the areas of initiative, coalition governance, data mining, marketing Fabricators and Manufacturers
campaigns, stakeholders and funding. Executive sponsors have volunteered to helm Association, International
the projects, with assistance from one or two groups. Gases and Welding Distributors
“Each of the organizations in the Coalition is doing something to promote the val- Association
ue of a profession in the skilled trades, but as individual groups, with limited resources, International Association of Plumbing
we can only accomplish so much,” said Chalker. “Together, combining our efforts and and Mechanical Officials
resources, we can amplify our impact. I see the most important role we can play is to Iron Workers (International Association
reestablish the skilled trades as a long-term, secure career for young men and women of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and
in the formative years while they are making career decisions.” Reinforcing Iron Workers)
The partners will be exploring initiatives at the upcoming teleconference this International Training Institute
month. Subsequently, AISC will host the second in-person Skilled Trades Coalition International Union of Painters
meeting September 5 and 6 at its headquarters in Chicago. and Allied Trades
It is time to act. ■ NACE International
Steel Erectors Association of America
This article originally appeared in the March 2019 issue of Welding Journal and is being Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers
reprinted here with the permission of the American Welding Society. Society of Manufacturing Engineers

MAKE YOUR

VISION

REALITY

DIABLO BOLTED SPLICE ™ UNIVERSAL PIN CONNECTOR ™

60 | APRIL 2019